Pied Cormorant

Kāruhiruhi is a large black-and-white coastal shag with a long grey bill and bright facial skin. White underparts extend up the face while the crown, back and wings are black; black shag has a dark throat and yellow facial skin.

It is common around northern North Island coasts and increasingly widespread south through Cook Strait and the South Island. Kāruhiruhi dive for coastal fish and crustaceans and nest in trees or on cliffs near sheltered water.

Pied cormorant is At Risk — Recovering (NZ Threat Classification). Set nets, fishing hooks, disturbance and loss of nesting trees remain threats. Auckland, Tauranga and other northern harbours provide reliable views, often at communal roosts.